Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Allen to battle for UK crown

Ronnie O’Sullivan stands just one win away from re-writing the history books yet again in the snooker world as he bids to win a record seventh UK Championship title today.

The six-times winner could be the UK Championship’s most successful player of all time if he wins the best-of-19 final today at York’s Barbican Theatre.

Standing in his way will be Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen who has continued a brilliant 2018 on the table by reaching his third major final in the calendar year.

This year’s Masters and International Championship winner – ranked number 7 in the world – came back from behind to win a final frame thriller against Stuart Bingham in a gripping semi-final clash.

Allen will today be playing in just his second UK Championship final – his first coming seven years ago when he was narrowly beaten against Judd Trump.

Mark Allen. Picture by Monique Limbos

As well as lifting one of the most prestigious trophies snooker has to offer, today’s winner will also receive a cheque for a huge £170,000.

O’Sullivan made it to the final by thrashing Tom Ford 6-1 in what was a one-sided contest played on Saturday afternoon.

World number 3 O’Sullivan has made the headlines this week with talk off the table regarding his plans for a “breakaway tour” but today all the focus will be on the table in what is sure to be an exciting final.

The UK Championship’s Most Successful Players

Ronnie O’Sullivan – Six titles

Steve Davis – Six titles

Stephen Hendry – Five titles

John Higgins – Three titles

Both players have enjoyed major success in 2018 and because of that it is rather they fitting they get to battle the first ‘Triple Crown’ event of the season.

Ronnie O’Sullivan. Picture by Monique Limbos

This will be the eighth meeting between the pair with O’Sullivan just shading the head-to-head record between the two with four victories to his name.

However, Allen hammered O’Sullivan 6-1 en-route to his Masters title in January in what was their last match against each other.